Virginia Ham Biscuits(Yorktown Cookbook)
Buttery Virginia Ham Biscuits with tender, flaky texture and a savory ham flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour and baking powder and mix with salt and ground Virginia ham.
- Cut in shortening with a knife until the mixture reaches the consistency of meal.
- Add milk and mix gently, handling as little as possible.
- Pat the dough with hands or roll on a floured board to desired thickness.
- Bake in a hot oven until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier biscuit, ensure your shortening is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. You can substitute the Virginia ham with other cured hams if needed, but the flavor may differ. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or black pepper to the dough. If you want a richer taste, substitute some of the milk with buttermilk.
Serving Suggestions
Virginia ham biscuits are delightful served warm, perfect for breakfast or brunch. They pair wonderfully with sides like Lettuce Salad Unusual or even alongside a hearty dish like Pork And Cabbage. For a complete meal, serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup. These biscuits also make a great addition to a picnic spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, place biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they retain their tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia Ham Biscuits(Yorktown Cookbook) contains roughly 227 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2365mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these biscuits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out and baking. This helps maintain the right texture for the biscuits.
What can I use if I don’t have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or even lard for a more traditional flavor. Just remember that butter will add a richer taste but may slightly alter the texture.
How can I tell when the biscuits are done baking?
The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and have risen nicely. You can also gently tap the top; they should sound hollow. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).